Power transmission



Sept. 28, 1943.

H. ORNER POWER TRANSMISSION Filed July 18, 1940 8 sheets sheet 1 gig/4L INVENTOR Sept. 28, 1943. H. ORNER POWER TRANSMISSION Filed July 18, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Sept. 28, 1943. H. ORNER POWER TRANSMISSION Filed July 18 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 1 INVENTOR 3 H. ORNER POWER TRANSMISSION Sept. 28, 1943.

Filed-Jul 18, 1940 j 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 v 25% M /l/ZVJF/ Sept. 28, 1943. H. ORNER 2,330,374

' POWER TRANSMISSION Filed July 18 1940 a Sheets-Sheet 6 QRNER 2,330,374

POWER TRANSMISSION Filed July 18, 1940 Sept. 28, 1943.

8 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR v Patented Sept. 28, 1943 umr n STATE.

PATENT OFFICE" 32 Claims.

This invention relates to power transmissions, and particularly to planetary transmissions connected 'for power transmission at all times between 9. power source and a driven load, and which automatically vary the speed ratio of transmission.

The invention is particularly applicable to the driving of loads having considerable inertia, to accelerate or slow down the load by a rotating power gsource such as an internal combustion engme o desired to have the speed of the load increase or decrease respectively as, the torque of the load decreases or increases, below or above a normal torque; andthe invention comprises means by which changes in the sp'eed of the load are effected by a transmission the speed ratio of which variesautomatically. I

One object of my invention is to provide a transmission unit by which a load may be driven through a constantly meshed gear reduction unit until the load has been accelerated to a desired speed and by which the gear reduction is then automatically and gradually removed and the load driven at the speed required for normal work at less gear reduction or no gear reduction,

and by which such change of reduction is efiected smoothly and uninterruptedly;

' Another object of my invention is to providean improved transmission comprisinga planetary gear train for transmitting power at a definite electric motor; and to cases in which it is Another object is to provide an improved transmission characterized by simplicity oi parts and action, and admitting of being embodied in a compact unit at low cost;

Another object is to provide amechanism which may be disposed between a source of power and a load to function as a variable speedratio power transmission to drive the load; or as a clutch to cushioningly connect the load to the which the principle of the invention maybe used. I

In said accompanying drawings: Fig. 1 s a longitudinal, sectional view of an embodiment of my invention and showing two similar units, one in elevation and one in section reduction gear ratio, and comprising means to change over to direct drive by retarding the rotation of the planetary gear train using for this purpose a brake on the gears of the planetary gear train; f

Anotherobject of -improved means to change the transmission of power through a planetary gear train from rotary motion of the gears of the train to rotary motion of the planetary gear train as a locked unit or vice versa;

Another object of my invention isto provide a direct mechanical connection between the driveand driven shafts ofa variable ratio transmis-' sion which can be efiected at that instantat which the drive and driven members approach equal speeds of rotation; I

Another object is to provide an improved brake for the gears of a planetarygear train to 'vary the ratio of transmission therethrough; Another object is to providea planetary gear transmission having brake means for varying the ratio of transmission and-improyed means for variably automatically applying the brake means;

my invention is .to provide approximately through a rotational axis;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken from the plane 2-4 of Fig. 1-, showing a center plate construc-' tion;

Fig. 3A is a fragmentary sectional view taken" from the plane 3A--3A of Fig. 3;

Fig.4 is a sectional view taken 4-1 of Fig. 1 showing another part of the planetary gear train and relative parts of that figure; Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken from the plane 5-5 of Fig. l s owing part of 'a valve operating mechanism an; relative parts;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken from the plane 6-6 of Fig. 1 showing a one-directional braking mechanism and relative parts;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken from the plane 1 l of Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 showing valves and operating means;

Fig. 8 is a sectionalview taken from the plane 8-8 of Fig. 3 and Fig. 5-showing an inlet valve;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken fromthe plane 9 -9 of Fig. 3, showing part oi a valve operating 1 Fig. 11 is a horizontal sectional view taken from the plane I l--H of Fig. 5 showing sun gears Fig. '3 is a. sectional view taken from the plane A from the plane of a planetary gear train, a-valve arrangement and relative parts;

Fig.12 ls'a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 3

I showing a valve and relative parts ,in full open bodiment of my invention similar to that of Figs..

1 to 13, but manually operated and having mechanical direct drive locking means;

Fig. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of a unit of the embodiment of Figs. 14 to 18 taken from the plane I l-M of Fig. 15;

Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken from the plane li5 of Fig. 14 showing part of a valve operating construction and relative parts;

Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken from the plane l6i6 of Fig. 14 showing manual valve operating means and relative parts;

Fig. 17 is a horizontal sectional view taken from the plane ll-I'l of Fig. 14 showing a cam mechanism and relative parts;

Fig. 18 is a detached view of jaw clutches of .the mechanical direct drive locking means;

Figs. 19 to 23 inclusive are views illustrating another embodiment of my invention but different from the foregoing in the respect that an internal ring gear is used in the planetary gear 23-23 of Fig. 20 showing a one directional braking mechanism and relative parts;

Fig 24 is a view similar to Fig. 4 illustrating a modification;

Fig. 25 is a fragmentary sectional View taken from the plane 25-25 of Fig. 24;

Fig. 26 is a view similar to Fig. 14 illustrating another modification;

Fig. 27 is a fragmentary view taken'from the plane 21-2| of Fig. 26;

Fig. 28 is a fragmentary view taken from the plane 28-28 of Fig. 26;

Fig. 29 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to Fig. 14 illustrating another modification;

Fig. 30 is a fragmentary view taken from the .plane 38-30 of Fig. 29; Fig. 31 is a fragmentary view taken from the plane 3l3l of Fig. 29;

Fig. 32 is a fragmentary view taken from the plane 32-32 of Fig. 30;

Fig. 33 is a fragmentary view taken from the plane 33-33 of Fig. 30.

Referring first to Figs. 1 to 13 inclusive which illustrate one embodiment of my invention, in Fig. 1, is a. rotor housing A shown-in section and on a common axis with a similar rotor housing B shown in elevation, both rotatably supported in a general housing G. Rotor housings A and B being similar in' structure, it will be sufficient to describe rotor housing A in detail. v

The rotor housing A, as illustrated ini'ig: 1, is

composed of two cup-form,sections 2 and 3 and a center plate 6, fastened together by bolts 5 (see Fig. 10) forming a hollow cylindrical rotor housing A, rotatably supported at its axis by antifriction bearings B and 1 respectively mounted in apertures 8 and 9 of general housing G. Rotor housing secti ns 2 and 3 have axially extending hubs l0 and .II respectively, so machined as to fit into the inner races of the anti-friction bearings 6 and I respectively, and retained therein by threaded collars l2 and i3 respectively, on threaded ends of the hubs in and I I.

A driven shaft I5 is journaled in the hub 10 coaxial withthe rotor housing A, and a drive shaft I6 is similarly journaled in the hub II on the same axis as driven shaft l5.

Contained within the rotor housing A is a differential gearing P, preferably of the planetary class, and comprising a sun gear I! in constant mesh with one or more planet gears I8, rotatable on the same axes as, and rigidly connected to, a similar number of planet gears I9. Planet gears 19 are in constant mesh with a second and smaller sun gear 28. Sun gear I! is integral with or connected to the rotatable driven shaft I5, and sun gear 20 is integral with or connected to the rotatable drive shaft I6.

Planet gears l8 and I9 are mounted on hollow shafts 2| and secured thereto by keys 22 and 23 respectively. The hollow shafts 2| are rotatable on stationary shafts 2 3 fixed into rotor housing A,

each shaft 24 passing through the rotor housing sections 2 and 3, andthrough the center plate 4, and having a head 25 on one side, and fastened by a nut 25 on the opposite side, and a pin 21 lockingthe nut 26 on shaft 24. The rotor housing constitutes a pinion-carrier for theplanet gears l8 and i9.

Rotary motion supplied by a source of power to turn drive shaft l6 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the left end, tends to turn driven shaft I 5 in a similar direction, motion being transmitted by planetary gear train P. In this illustrative instance because of the difference in pitch diameter of the sun gears l1 and 20, the planetary gear train P transmits motion at a reduction gear ratio to driven shaft l5 from drive 'shaft l6 and at a, proportionally increased torque.

. brake to permit planetary gear train P to turn in the clockwise direction only.

As illustated in Fig. 6, a plurality of steel balls 28, are equally distributed on the circumference.

of a machined annular ledge 29 of the rotor housing A, and retained equally spaced by a retaining ring 30, having holes therein for the balls 20 to rotate freely. Balls 28 fit into cam grooves 3| on the inside circumference of a ring 32, ring 32 being fastened to general housing G by bolts 33. These cam grooves 3| are so formed as to have a clearance with the balls 28 and ledge 29, to permit free rotation of rotor housing A in the clockwise direction, but this clearance decreases, because of the selected slope of the cam grooves 3|, when the rotor housing A tends to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction, and the balls become locked in place. It will thus be seen that a type of pawl and ratchet element is here disclosed. the ball corresponding to the j spaces between the teeth d9' by rotation. of

engagement and the noise and wear of ordinary pawl and toothed ratchet, where the pawl clicks over the teeth in one direction, is avoided.

According to the above construction, when rotary power is transmitted from the drive shaft l6 through the planetary reduction gear train I? to the driven shaft I and the latter has torque resistance, the driven shaft I5 is rotated at reduced speed and proportionally increased torque.

The torque resistance on the driven shaft l5 to be overcome, will determine the proper planetary gear reduction to be provided to correspond with the particular machine to be driven and the source of rotary power. When the torque resistance has been overcome and the load rotatesv at the reduction speed ratio, means is provided to gradually efiect a direct drive from the drive shaft Hi to driven shaft l5 by slowing down and finally stopping rotation of the planet gears 18 and IS on their axes,-and causing revolution of the axes in unison with the sun gears .l1 and 20; and rotary motion of drive shaft I6 is therea after transmitted in a direct drive, to driven shaft l5; and this means will now be described. The planetary gear train P containedwithin .rotor housing A consisting of the sun gear 20 in constant mesh with the plurality of equally spaced planet gears l9 (two planet gears being illustrated in Fig. 3), has a running fit within machined apertures, 35 for the planet gears l9, and" 36 for the sun gear 20, and enclosed by the center plate 4 which constitutes a transverse aperture wall. This fit is close enough to he liquid tight for liquid such as oil, to be referred to, and to permit little or no escape of such liquid between the walls of the apertures, the center plate and the enclosed gears. It is to be underchannels 38, and a suitable type comprises a ball 40 seated on a machine surface 4| concentric with hole 39, and a spring 42 abutting upon the housing section 3 and upon ball 40, and of such tension as to permit a free flow of liquid into channels 38 but to cause the ball-40 to seat on the machine surface4i conforming to the ball 40 and prevent the fiow of liquid out of the channels 38.-

In certain circum-- stances, a one-way valve D may be desired in planet gears I 9, to the pressure chambers 44. At'this point, teeth l9 intermeshing with the teeth 20' of the sun gear 20, cause the teeth'to displace the liquid F, in the spaces between the teeth, and force it into pressure chambers 44, causing a rotary gear pump action to occur on the liquid F and urging the liquid F toward orifices 41. The orifices 41 and 48 are designed to permit. free flow of the liquid F. through the valves E, when completely open, at the maximum rate of flow caused bythe pump action of the gear teeth I 9' and 20, so as not to cause a pressure to be built in the pressure chambers 44, and'hence allowing free unretarded rotation of planet gears I9 on their respective axes. The intermeshing teeth l9 and 20' may cause some of the liquid F to be locked in the spaces between the teeth, and a groove 50, see Fig. 2, in center plate 4, is so placed as to relieve-this liquid F into pressure .chamber 44.' The apertures 35, should of course not fit the pinions I!) too closely on the suction side of the pinions to avoid suction that might retard the rotation thereof and this would obviously be avoided by suitable clearance on the walls of the apertures.

Provision is made so that the valve E con-' trolling the circulation of the liquid F through the orifices 41 and 48 from the pressure chambers 44, may at the proper time be operated to progressively restrict the flow ofliquid as described, so as to cause pressure to be progressively built up in pressure chambers 44, to retard the rotation of the planet gears on their shafts 24, by causing the liquid F to be wedged between the teeth l9 and 20'. Rctarding rotation of the planet gears l9 on their respective shafts 24 causes rev ution of the shaft 24 on the sun gear 20, and since the shafts 24 are mounted on the rotor housing A, the rotor'housing A will be caused to rotate on I the an'ti -friction bearings 6 and 'l. When the circulation of the liquid F is ultimately completely cut off, the planet gears l9 will be completely stopped from rotating on, the shafts 24, and the rotary motion will then be wholly transmitted through the rotor housing A, and the driven shaft l5 will be rotated at the. same rate ofspeed as the drive sh'aft, IB, resulting in a direct drive. o The process may be reversed by progressively opening the valve'E until free circulation of the liquid F is again attained, permitting progressive increase in the rate of rotation of the planet gears 19 and decrease of revolution of the rotor housing A until-the planet gears again rotate freely, and

the rotor housing A again becomes stationary.

Teeth IE on planet gears l9 mesh with teeth 20' on sun gear 20, see Fig. 3. On the side where teeth l9 and 20' move toward each other to intermesh, are pressure chambers 44, these pressure chambers 44 being connected together to equalize pressure therein, and in the instant emter plate 4, .pa'sses the balls 40 of the one-way valve D, see Fig. 8, flows through the channels 38 into the apertures 35 and is carried, by the It should be noticed that at no time is the transmission of rotary motion interrupted between the drive shaft l6 and, the driven shaft I5; and that by varying the rate of liquid flow, a progressive variation of gear reduction is attained, ranging from the designed reduction of the gear train P,

described operations, with a succession of gear; I

ratio reductions in cascade.

I The control of liquid as described is eflectedbythe valve E, and the valve E may be of any design to suit anyparticular application. The valve E j in the instant embodiment, as shown in Figs.

3, 4, 5, 7, 12 and 13, comprises a hollowed tapered body 54 fitted into a tapered bore machined into rotor housing section 3, on an axis parallel with the drive and driven shafts, l6 and 15, the hollow body being open at the larger end 55 and lying close to the center plate 4; the smaller end having a stem 56 concentric with the tapered body 54 and extending through a journaled hole of rotor housing section 3, and terminating outside of rotor housing A. Extending transversely through the wall of the tapered body 54 and communicating with the hollow portion 55, are ports 41 and 48', registering with orifices 41 and 48 respectively in the rotor housing section 3, when the valves E are completely open. As the valves are rotated, and the ports 41' and 48' move out of registration with the orifices 41 and 48 respectively, the circulation of the liquid F is restricted or throttled, and pressure is caused to build up in pressure chambers 44, and similarly in the hollow portions 55 of the valves E, and the pressure seats the tapered bodies 54 in the tapered bores of rotor housing section 3 and produces a liquid tight fit at the valves.

It may be advisable to make the orifices 41 slightly larger than the orifices 48 so that the entire pressure in pressure chambers 44 will be communicated to the hollow portions 55 of the valves E when the orifices 48 are completely closed and the orifices 41 not quite closed.

Preferably the valves E are operated automatically. Various means may be provided for such automatic control, such as governors on the drive shaft IE or driven shaft l5, or by variable torque-responsive devices coupling the shafts and controlling the valves E; but I prefer to provide the means illustrated in Figs. 3, 5, 7, 9, l2 and 13. On the stems 56 of the valves E, are mounted gear segments 58, see Fig. 7, fixed thereto by keys 59. The gear segments 58 are in constant mesh with a gear-toothed member 60, mounted concentric with rotor housing A, see Fig. 5, and rotatable on the hub H. Toothed member 60 has two outwardly extending arms 6!, and, integral therewith, angular portions 62, extending intorotor housing A, see Fig. 10. Integral with the angular portions 62, are webbed portions 63, extending into the arc-shaped cavities 49, parallel with the center plate 4. Integral with or fixed to the webbed portions 63 are wallplates 64 lying in radial planes with respect to the center of the rotor housing A, andforming movable walls in the arc-shaped cavities 49 opposite the orifices 48 and forming enclosed spaces 65 therein, see Fig. 3.

L quid F, flowing from the orifices 48, into the spaces 65, by the pump action of the planetarygear train P, above described, will cause pressure therein to move the wall-plates 64 over the mach'ined wall surfaces of the arc-shaped cavities 49 around the center of gear tooth member 60, see Figs. 12 and 13, causing the gear segments 58 A interlocking with members 60 to rotate, and the same being fixed to the tapered bodies 54 of valves E, cause the valves E to rotate toward closed position.

More liquid F may be advantageously allowed to flow through the orifices 48 than enough to Just fill the spaces 65, and to this end the openings 66 in wall-plate 64 (see Fig. 9) are proportioned to permit an escape from the spaces 65 and to cause the pressure in spaces 65 to build up at a rate depending on the size of the openings 65, and the rate of fiow of the liquid F.

To provide for closing of valve E at a definite predetermined rate of rotation of planetary gear train P, I provide a pressure closing valve H, see Fig. 9. This valve comprises a cup-shaped member 68, pressed into a hole 69 concentric with hole 66, the cup-shaped member 68 protruding into the space 65. A hole is provided in the top of cup-shaped member 68, and holes H in the circumference exposing within a spring 12 extending into the hole 69 and abutting at one end upon the wall-plate 64 and extending into the cup-shaped member 68 and abutting at the other end upon a disk 13 retained by the cup-shaped member 68. A tubular member 14 pressed into hole 66 forms, at the top, a seat for the disk 13. Liquid F freely fiows through the valve H when the valve E is open until such time as pressure is created in space 65 sufiicient to overcome the spring 12 and cause the disk 13 to be moved toward and seated on the tubular member '14, and restricting the circulation of liquid F from the spaces 65 and building therein a progressive pressure that causes the wallplate 64 to move through the desired arc length of movement until wallplate 64 is moved into the position approaching that shown in Figs. 12 and 13.

The minimum opening from the spaces 65 into the arc-shaped cavities 49 should be of such size as to permit a free flow of liquid F up to a predetermined rate of fiow less than the maximum rate of flow effected by the pumping action of the intermeshing teeth I9 and 20. Therefore the openings in valves H should be smaller than the orifices 48, so that at a predetermined rate of free circulation of liquid F, occurring when the planetary gear train P overcomes the torque resistance on the driven shaft I5, the circulation of liquid F will be restricted in spaces 65 and cause the pressure to be built up therein to seat the disk 13 on the tubular member 14 and cause the pressure in spaces 65 to increase rapidly and actuate the.wallplate 64 and connecting members to move the valves E toward closed position.

It is preferred to control the rate of movement of wallplate 64 so as to efi'ect a smooth retarding of the planetary gearing P, and this can be accomplished by permitting the pressure in spaces 65 to build up ata predetermined rate after the valve H is closed, such as by providing a predetermined rate of leakage from the space 65, and such leakage may be provided by the opening 15 in the disk 13, to suit the desired conditions.

The above described operation will turn the valve bodies 54 until the valves E are just closed or nearly closed, see Figs. 3 and 12, and the closing of the valves E shuts off liquid F from entering the spaces 65. It may be desirable to close the valves E more completely and this can be done in various ways. In the instant embodiment, see Figs. 5 and 13, I show radially extending arms 11 integral with gear segments 58 with weights 18 thereon. As the valves E are rotated by the above explained operation causing rotor housing A to rotate, the pivoted weights 18 move away from the axis of the rotor housing A by centrifugal force acting thereon, in such direction as to tend'to close the valves E, and, at a predetermined speed, act centrlfugally to completely rotate the valve-bodies 54 to full closed position, see Fig. 12 and Fig. 13.

To regain the original position of the wallplates 64, weights 18, valves E and connecting members, I provide a spring 80, see Fig. 1, having one end fastened in the hub l I and the other end fastened in gear toothed member 60 and the liquid F back into zone as causing the liquid tending to rotate member 69, see Fig. 5, and connecting parts in the direction to open the valves E until angular portion 62 engages the rotor housing wall at M, see Fig. 10, and causes it to stop thereon. The valves E will be opened by the spring 80 when the rotor housing A comes to rest or is slowed down by the addition of torque resistance on driven shaft I5.

Arc segments 83, see Figs. 12 and 13, set into 1 the vertical wall of rotor housing section 3, retain the wall-plate 64, in the arc-shaped cavity 49 when the valves are completely closed. The gear toothed-member 69, the arms BI and connecting members integral therewith including wall-plate 64, can be made of one piece if desired and assembled in place and so retained by-the arc-segment 83 which is fastened in place by screws 84.

Liquid F is introduced into housing G through holes such as 85, and plugged by threaded plugs 86, as shown in Fig. 2; and similar plugs 8! are provided at the bottom, see Fig. 1, for draining off the liquid when desired. When air is used instead of liquid a will be referred to, vents may be'provided in the housing G.

The liquid F as used in is preferably a lubricant, such as one of the various lubricating oils, which also acts to lubricate 'the moving parts. The housing G, see Fig. 1,

is provided with oil retaining rings 88 and 89, and a fluid storage sump 90 is provided having openings 9I and 92 connecting the housings in such manner as to permit the liquid F to have a common level.

The liquid F is free to enter between the vertical the present instance,

walls in sections 2 and 3 of rotor housing A,

through the openings 93 as shown in Fig. 3, and openings 94 as shown in Fig. 6, respectively. The center plate 4 is cut out at 95, see Fig.2, to permit liquid to pass from section 3 to section 2 freely. A depending wall 96, at the outer circumference of the opening 94 together with the arc segment 83 forms a channel 91 U-shaped in cross-section, see Fig. 3A, which retains the liquid F therein by centrifugal force when the rotor housing A starts to rotate. These channels 91 are connected by a common channel so as to permit the liquid F to distribute itself equally in the channels 91 so that dynamic balance will be maintained. In the instant embodiment, the common channel is in the form of an annular under-cut 98, see Fig. 1, passing just outwardly of the planet pinions I8 and connecting channels 91 together bya common F to accumulate at the zone 99 for supplying the inlet holes 39. This action decreases as the rotor housing A starts to rotate causing the liquid F by centrifugal force to fill the channels 91 up to the depth permitted by the depending wall 96 and the arc segment 83, see Fig. 3A, and completely covering the inlet holes 39 and causing pressure therein and helping the one-way valve D to restrict any liquid escape from the pressure chambers 44.

The liquid F in the pressure chambers 44, when the valves E are completely closed, see Fig. 12, has no means of escape since the sun gear 29 and planet gears I9 are completely enclosed in the rotor housing A. The only possible leakage of liquid F, see Fig. 1, would be at the place where ,drive shaft I6 is journaled in the hub II, and to overcome this a packing gland I99 may be provided; and packing may also be provided at the planet gears I9, on hollow shafts 2i, where as shown, hardened washers IIlI are disposed on conduit path M. The holes 39 of the inlet channels .38 communicate with this conduit path M,

annular conduit path M, in a continuous cycle, to

effect complete circulation of liduid F. I

When the rotor housing A is stationary and rotary motion is transmitted through the planetary gear train P, liquid F,'see Fig. 4, lies in the housing G, and in therotor housing A, up to the level governed by the plugged holes 85, see Fig. 2. The liquid F will be forced by the sun gear I'I into the conduit path M in a circular swirl, in the clockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 4. Near the planet pinions I8 at the zone indicated .by 99, the conduit path M is restricted to the size of the undercut 98, and the planet gears I8 at these zones moving counter-clockwise, move each side of the planet pinions I9, and covering packing material I92 in circular recesses. Upon assembling, the tightening of the shafts 24 on the rotor housing 'A between the heads 25 and nuts 26 will cause the packing material I92 to be compressed and form a-liquid tight fit on the .hollow shaft 2 I.

The liquid F a described above is confined to pressure chambers 44, where the pressure wedges the liquid F between the meshing teeth I9 and 29 at an increasing rate, causingthe planet gears i9 to be retarded, and to be ultimately locked to rotate with sun gear 20. If however, there should be any leaking of liquid F from th pres .sure chambers 44 when the valves E are com pletely closed, the result would be that the pressure would be decreasedby such leakage and cause the gears I9 to continue to rotate somewhat, which would result in a creeping of the planet gears I9 on the sun gear 29 depending on the amount of the leakage; This creeping of the planet gear I9 would in most instances be negligible and in such cases the packing gland I00 and packing material I92 may not be required. However, at all times, regardless of the amount of leakage of liquid F, there will'always be a continuous transmission of rotary motion between drive shaft I6 and driven shaft I5.

In the above description, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the sun gear 20 and the associated meshin planet. gears I9 are used as a rotary pump, and as illustrated in Fig. 4, the sun gear I! and the associated meshing planet gears I8, are not so used. The sun gear I1 and associated planet tion as a rotary pump, and the pressure chamber 44 may be extended into rotor housing section 2. Such modified construction may be desirable in transmitting larger units of power because less pressure will be required in pressure chambers 44 to retard the planet gears] 8 and I9.

of .my invention, for use with variou types of machines .and under various conditions, other In the foregoing I havdescribed my invention as using liquid. In'various embodiments fluids may be preferable. For example, high speed units may require a gas, such for example as air, having the characteristic of being compressible, and hence requiring a higher number of revolutions of the planetary gear train P before the proper compression is formed in pressure chamber 44 to retard the rotation ofthe'planet gears I9. Liquids may be preferable in low speed units, in which the change-over to direct drive is required in a smaller number of revolutions of sun gear 20.

It may be desirable in some cases to provide mechanical means for connecting the drive shaft I6 directly to the driven shaft I after the valves E have been completely closed and the speed of driven shaft I5 approaches the speed of the drive shaft I6. In Figs. 14 to 18 inclusive, I have illustrated another form of my invention having such characteristics.

Rotor housing A, planetary gear train P, valves E, and other associated parts are similar to those described above, and have the same reference characters.

The rotor housing A may be completely closed, and in this instance is hermetically sealedso that liquid F is confined to the rotor housing, as a selfcontained unit, and the liquid ha a complete conduit path M for free circulation as described above; hence the vertical walls of rotor housing sections 2 and 3 will not have the holes 94 and 95.

Threaded plugs I05, see Fig. 15, tapped in the vertical wall of rotor housing A provide for adding liquid F; and these plugs are vented if air is used as the fluid.

The valves E are operated by a link I06, connected to a lever I07 fastened on a stub shaft I08, see Figs. 14 to 17, which is in turn fastened to a forked lever I06 inside the housing G having aligned inwardly extending trunnions IIO on a common axis passing through the center of a collar III, and fitting into an annular groove III' in collar III, in such manner as to permit the collar III to freely revolve, and to be moved longitudinally. Collar III is slidably mounted on hub II, and has integral longitudinally projecting cams II2, engaging similar cams H3 integral with a gear-toothed member 6 rotatably mounted on the hub II. When the collar III is urged toward the rotor housing A, by action of cams I I2 acting on cams II3, the gear-toothed member H4 is rotated clock-wise, 'and gear toothed member I I I, being in constant mesh with gear segments I=I5 mounted on stems 56 of the valves E, will cause the valves E to close. Spring II6 urges the collar III away from the rotor housing A, to cause the valves E to open, and has a tendency to rotate the gear member H4 in the counter-clockwise direction. This construction constitutes a simple form of control for the valve E, and which may be manual or automatic depending on what type of actuating means is connected to the link I06.

Mounted between the hub II and the drive shaft I6 is a clutch member 1, splined on the hub I I' at H6, and free to slide longitudinally,

permitting drive shaft I6 to revolve freely there-- in. On clutch member I", see Fig. 18, are clutch teeth II9, which are in engagement with teeth I on a stationary clutch member I 2Irfixed to drive shaft I6 by any suitable means such as by press fit splines. A pin I22 press fitted in collar III, and into clutch member II! and passing through elongated slots I23 in hub II' provide for longitudinal movement of the clutch member I I1 upon longitudinal movement of the collar I I I,

while permitting rotation oi the collar III and clutch member III relative to the hub II.

In operation, upon shifting the collar III, for example manually, the valves. E are controlled; and when valves E are completely closed, a further movement of the collar III by the same mechanism continues to move clutch member II'I into engagement with stationary clutch member I 2| meshing their respective clutch teeth II9 and I20. This locks the hub II' so that it is rotatable with the drive shaft- I6, transmitting rotary motion to the driven shaft I5 in direct mechanical connection through rotor housing A to drive shaft I6. This mechanical engagement is made without shock, since the valves E by the arrangement described, must be completely closed before teeth .I I9 engage teeth I20.

The results of this mechanical connection may be effected by making a mechanical connection at other places in the rotor housing A between any two moving partspsince a direct connection between any two of the moving members in rotor housing A will cause the planet shafts 24 to rotate with sun gear 20. The operating means need not be a linkage such as that described; to efiect the same end result, fluid pressure from chamber 44 may be used to actuate directly or indirectly a movable mechanical connecting member, or the movement of the weights 16 or similar weights may be used to actuate a mechanical member such as member I"; for example as shown in one form in Figs. 24 to 25, and in another form in Figs. 26 to 28 inclusive.

Figs. 24 and 25 illustrate the use of fluid pressure to effect a positive mechanical connection between the drive and driven shafts I6 and I5 respectively; and Figs. 26 to 28 inclusive illustrate the use of centrifugal force to effect a similar connection.

'I re construction in these figures is in general similar to the construction illustrated in Figs. 1 to 13 inclusive. Referring to Figs. 24 and 25 a clutch member I 60 is splined to drive shaft I6 and is movable longitudinally thereon, and has radial beveled teeth I 6 I on one end engageable with similar teeth I62 on a clutch member I63 which is fastened to and rotatable in unison with the rotor housing A. A spring I64 abutting upon the clutch member I60 and upon a collar I65 on the shaft I6, tends to hold the clutch member I60 out of engagement with the clutch member I63 and permits relative rotation of drive shaft I6 with respect to the rotor housing A.

The clutch member I60 has an annular piston I60A reciprocable in an annular fluid chamber I66, and the system may have a packingrlng I6! fastened to it to seal the piston in the chamber I66.

Valves E one of which is shown, are provided and these may be similar to and operated as are.

the valves E of the form of Figs. 1 to 13. These valves have each an inlet 41' admitting liquid to the valves and an outlet 48, the latter being disposed to entirely close before the ports 41; and have each a port I69 which, upon rotary movement of the valves E opens at about the time the port 48' closes. A passage I68 leads from the chamber I66 to the port I69. The port 48' cuts oil the escaping fluid from the chamber 44 and the ports 4'! and the port I69 supply fluid.

under pressure from the chamber 44 through the passage, I68 to the chamber I66. When the planetary gear train P has approached the condition of maximum retardation, the gears move at slowrelative velocity sufllcient to pump the fluid into the passage I66 and chamber I66 and this-pushes the piston outwardly in the chamber I66 and moves the clutch member I60, overcoming the spring I64 and engaging the teeth I6I with the teeth I62 to make a positive mechanical connection between the drive shaft I6 and the driven shaft I5, the eflect of which is the same as described above for the clutch II1-I2I of Fig. 14. r

If desired the valves E may be rotated farther by the action of centrifugal force on a weight or weights such as the weights 18, as explained in connection with Figs. 1 to 13, to completely seal the fluid in the passage I68 and chamber I66 by completely cutting off the liquid flow at the ports 41' but holding the pressure in the chamber I66, thereby holding the clutch member I60 in clutchengaged position. When the transmit ower from the drive shaft I6 decreases; or when load resistance on the drive shaft increases, the weights 18 return toward their original positions, as explained hereinbefore and rotate the valves E in the return direction. When the ports I69 register with passages I66, the fluid pressure in the chamber I66 is relieved through the passages I68 and ports I69 and 41 and the spring I65 moves the clutch member I60 out of engagement with clutch member I63. Since fluid is now again being pumped, the pressure in. chamber 66 cushions the transition from driv through the positive connections drive through the planetary gear train P. I

The form of Figs. 26 and 28 inclusive is similar to that of Figs. 24.- and 25 but here a clutching member IBM has radial pins I10 pressed into or similarly fastened thereto, and extending through elongated slots "Go in a hub Ila on the rotary housing A. The pins engage cams I1I, Fig. 28, having each a flat portion I12 and a cam surface I13, cut into an angular flange I14 on the toothed member 66a.

As valve E is actuated as described in connection with the form of Figs. 1 to 13, the pin I10 idles along the flat portion I12 of the cam I1 I,

permitting the valve E to take up the position approaching complete retardation of rotary motion of the planetary train P, this position being illustrated in Fig. 28. At this position of the pin the clutch teeth I6! a I62 are rotating at equal or at approximately e ual speeds, so that engagement of the teeth may be effected without shock. The gear-toothed member 66a. continues to be rotated .by the gear segments 58 and the action of centrifugal force as explained hereinbefore, acting on the weights 18, moves the cam surface I causing pins I10 to ride up on the cam surfaces I13 and move the member 3011 forward to engage the teeth I6I-I62 The clutch teeth are thus engaged at a predetermined rotary speed of the rotor housing governed by the weights 18 and the spring 80, effecting a direct positive mechanical connection from drive shaft I6 to driven shaft I5.

The direct positive mechanical connection illustrated in Figs. 14 to 18 and in another form in to 28 i'nclusivewill at no time-permit engagement of the clutch teeth until the planetary gear train approaches the completely retarded condition,

and will disengage as soon as the valve E starts will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that my invention may be applied to most any type and arrangement of differential gear train.

In the third embodiment of my invention, illustrated in Figs. 19 to 23, similar parts-have the same reference characters as those of the pre- Figs. 24 and 25 and in another form in Figs. 26

vious embodiments, with the following differences. The planetary gear train P consists of a ring gear I25, having internal teeth mounted on a drive shaft I5, by means of a spider I26, splined on the drive shaft I5; and fastened by such means as screws I21 to ring gear I25. Ring gear I25 is in constant mesh with a plurality of planet gears I28 rotatably mounted on stub shafts I29.fixedin rotor housing A, and in constant mesh with a sun gear I30, having a hub I3I rotatably mounted on the driven shaft I6. Rotor housing A consists of two sections I32 and I33 respectively, clamped together with a center section I34 by bolts I35, to form an enclosure for the planetary gear train P. This rotor housing A is rotatably fixed upon driven shaft I6 by such means as a pin I36, and is mounted to rotate on anti-friction bearings I31 and I30 in the general ho1 "G".

Hub I35 has, on its outer end, a one-way brake for locking the planetary gear train P to operate in one direction only, see Fig. 23, similar to the one-way braking mechanism of the first describedembodiments and comprising a plurality of steel balls 26' equally distributed around the circumference of the hub I3! and retained'at equal distances by a retaining ring I39 having holes therein for the balls 28 to rotate freely. Balls 28 fit into cam grooves I40 on the inside circumference of a ring I4I. Ring MI .is fastened to "general housing G by bolts I42. The cam grooves are so formed as to have a clearance with the balls 26 and hub I3I, topermit free rotation of the hub I3I in the ciockwisedirecclockwise direction. The gears I29 then tend to turn the sun gear I30 in the counter-clockwise direction, but. since sun gear I30 is locked against turning in that direction, there will be a revolution of the shafts I29, carrying planet gears A28, in the clockwise direction, causing the rotor housing A to turn in the clockwise direction; and

the shafts I29 fixed therein cause driven shaft I6.

to rotate and in the instant embodiment, with a. reduction gear ratio.

The valves E are similar to those of the above described embodiments. In this particular gear arrangement unit, a chamber I43 in the inside wall of housing A is provided to'receiveliquid F which may be entrapped by the meshing teeth of the ring gear 'I25and planet pinion I29, and conduits such as grooves I44 lead such liquid into pressure chambers 44. Liquid F in pressure chambers 44 confined therein by closing the" valves E, causes pressure of the liquid F to be increasingly wedged between the teeth of sun gear I30 and'planet gears I28, and also between the planet gears I28 and the ring gear I25, at cham- "bers I43, thereby retarding the rotation of planet gears I28 on the shafts I29, and causing decreased rotation of planet gears I28 on shafts I29, and an increased revolution of the shafts I29 with ring gear I25, until the planet gears I26, fixed to ring gear I25 and sun gear I30, rotate eflecting a direct connection between drive shaft I5 and the driven shaft I6.

Packing glands I45 can be made on angular flanges I46 of the rotor housing A" and having a machined running flt with annular projections I41 of the ring gears I25, trapping the liquid F in the rotor housing A". A packing gland I48 may also be provided between the rotor housing A" and the hub I3I of sun gear I30. An annular conduit path I49 is formed by the inwardly extending walls I50 of spider I26, and the inwardly extending walls I5I, see Fig. 22, of the rotor housing section I33, making an enclosed conduit path for the liquid F, from the outlet orifices 48 of the valves E, to the inlet orifices 39, similarly as described for the first above described embodiment.

The operation of the valves E is the same in this instance as in the second described embodiment, being efiected by a collar I52, keyed to the hub II. The mechanical direct connection has not been illustrated for this embodiment.

While I have illustrated-and described my invention in connection with differential gearing of the planetary type, utilizing spur gears, it is to be understood that it may be practiced with differential gearing of the type utilizing bevel gears;

for example as illustrated in Figs. 29 to 33.

In these figures the drive shaft I6 is integral with a tubular hub member I having an angular flange I15 fastened to a rotor housing I11 by studs or bolts I18. The rotor housing I11 consists of an inner portion I19 having apertures therein to receive bevel gears I80I8I and bevel pinions I82. The pinions I82 have hubs I 83 journaled in plates I54 bolted to the inner portion I19. Similarly gear I8I has a cover I85 bolted to the housing I11, and the flange I16 encloses gear I80 closing the rotor housing I11. The cover I85 has a hub I86 in which is journaled a hub I81 of the gear I8I the hub extending outside of the housing I11. Mounted on the hub I81 is a one-way braking device I88 similar to that explained in connection with Fig. .23 hereinbefore, which acts to permit rotation of the gear I8I only in the clockwise direction as viewed from the left. The drive shaft I5 is journaled in the hub I81 and is integral with the gear I80. The rotor housing I11 is mounted to rotate freely on antifriction bearings I89 and I90.

Within thehub member I15'is a positive mechanical connection similar to that described in the form of Figs. 14 to 18 and comprises a movable clutch member I9I, splined to the wall of the tubular hub I15 and movable longitudinally to engage with a clutching member I92 integral with the gear I80; and these movements may be I eflfected by mechanism similar to that for engaging the clutch of the form of Figs. 14 to 18 and is so illustrated and need not be further described.

The flange I16 has an annular conduit path I93 for a purpose similar to that of the annular conduit path I49 of Figs. 19 and 22 and has inlet holes 39 to the one-way valve D. The means for moving the valve E may be similar to that of the form of Figs. 14 to 18.

The pressure chamber 200 in this instance (corresponding to the pressure chamber 44 hereinbefore described), due to the difference of gear construction, is in the inner portion I19, Figs. 31 and 32, and communicates directly with the enlarged open end of the valve body 20I, -A port 202 in each of the valve bodies 20I registers, when the valve E is fully open, with an orifice 203 leading to the annular conduit path I93; hence there is a complete path of fluid from the inlet hole 39, the fluid being carried by gear I80 to the point of meshing with pinions I82, Fig. 31, thence to pressure chamber 200, through valve bodies 20I, through ports 202, through orifices 203, and back to the annular conduit path I93.

Rotary motion of drive shaft I5 is transmitted through the gear I80, and rotating pinions I82, and since the gear IBI is held from rotating counter-clockwise, tends to rotate the rotor housing I11 in a clockwise direction with the driven shaft I6 secured thereto, at a reduced rate of rotation, and a corresponding increased torque. The transition'of rotary motion from a reduced ratio to a direct positive drive, is the same as explained in the above forms.

y invention as described hereinbefore may be applied to various uses. For example, it may be used as a speed change transmission between the clutch and propeller shaft of an automobile. In this instance, the gear reduction ratio through the difierential gearing would be such as to correspond to the gear reduction ratio of the usual gear shift transmission at low speed. In this use of my invention when theautomobile clutch is engaged the vehicle will be started at the usual low speed gear ratio and as the vehicle speeds up and reaches a predetermined speed, the fluid pumping action above described will begin to be effective and the gear reduction will be gradually and automatically removed; and finally the vehicle will be driven directly without gear reduction.

Conversely, the transmission ratio will automatically and gradually be changed to a gear reduction ratio in the event that the vehicle slows down as when climbing a hill.

Again, the transmission above described may be utilized to perform the functions of a clutch between any driven element and driving element, to start the driven element from rest and bring it upcto speed without shock, particularly when the load being driven has considerable inertia.

Again, the transmission above described may be utilized to perform the functions of a brake to slow down a load being driven.

In all applications of my invention, whether functioning as a power transmission, as a clutch, or as a brake, the gradual change of speed effected between the driving and driven elements or shafts occurs without the employment of frictionally engaged parts, the transition of drive from gear ratio drive to direct drive, or vice versa, being broughtabout by the fluid pumping action of the intermeshed difierential gears.

In numerous respects, as will be apparent, my invention is not limited to the exact details of construction illustrated and described. Changes "and/modifications may be made, without departing from the spirit of my invention and without sacrificing its advantages, and my invention is comprehensive of all such modifications and changes which' come within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a power transmission, a driving and driven rotary shaft, interconnected through a diflerential gearing mechanism comprising rotatable meshed gears, a brake on an element of the diflerential mechanism to prevent its rotation in one direction to thereby cause the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft by the gears at a predetermined gear ratio, fluid disposed to be pumped by meshed I teeth of gears of the differential mechanism to thereby exert a pump load braking action on the pumping gears, and means to variably control the rate of pumped fluid now to =variably control the pump load braking action,

element of the difierential mechanism to prevent itsrotation in one direction to thereby cause the drivingshaft to drive the driven shaft by the gears at a predetermined gear ratio, fluid disposed to be pumped by meshed teeth of the gears of the diiferentialgearing mechanism to thereby exert a pump load braking action on the pumping gears, means to variably control the rate of pumped fluid flow to variably change the pump load braking action to variably change the ratio of transmission. I r

3. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven rotary shaft interconnected through a differential gearing mechanism comprising a rotor housing for the rotatable meshed gears and pinions, a one-way brake automatically effective with the rotor housing to prevent rotation in a direction to cause the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft by the gears at a predetermined gear ratio, a quantity of fluid, a fluid conduit pathin said rotor housing, means for causing the fluid to be pumped into the conduit-path by,rotation of a pinion to thereby brake rotation of the pinion by the pumping load and means to variably control the rate of pumped fluid flow to variably control the pump load braking action to variably control the ratio of transmission.

4. In a differential power transmission, a differential mechanism comprising a pair of differential gears, pinions meshed with the gears, a drive shaft connected to one gear, a driven shaft connected to the other gear, a rotor-housing for said pinions and a one-way brake on the rotorhousing to prevent its rotation in a direction 5. In a differential power transmission, a differential mechanism comprising a'pair of differential gears, pinions meshed with the gears, a drive'shaft connected to one gear, a driven shaft connected to the other gear, a brake on an element of the differential mechanism to prevent its rotation in a direction whereby power is transmitted from one shaft to the other by the gears at a predetermined gear ratio of transmission, effected by relati e rotation of the gears and pinions,'a fluid con uitpath containing fluid disposed to be pumped therethrough by the meshed teeth engagement of a rotative gear and pinion to exert a tooth pressure pump load braking action on the pinions, a valve for throttling the fluid flow, means to close the valve to progressively increase the tooth pressure pump load to progressively retard relative rotation of the pinionsv to thereby progressively reduce the ratio of transmission.

6. In a 'wer transmission, a driving" and a driven rotary shaft, interconnected through a differential gearing mechanism comprising rotatable meshed gears, a brake on an element of the differential gearing mechanism to prevent its rotation in a direction to thereby cause the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft by the gears at a predetermined gear ratio, fluid disposed to be pumped by meshed teeth of gears of the differential mechanism to thereby exert a pump load braking action on the pumping gears, and means to control the rate of pumped fluid flow to control the pump load-braking action, to thereby control the ratio of transmission, said means being operable responsive to the pressure of the pumped fluid.

'7'. In a differential power transmission, a drive shaft, a first differential gear driven thereby, a second differential gear and a driven shaft driven thereby, pinions meshed with both gears, a brake on an element of the differential mechanism to prevent its rotation in a direction whereby the drive shaft may drive the driven shaft by the gears and pinions at a predetermined gear reduction ratio, fluid .disposed to bepumped by the teeth of the gear and pinion meshed engagement,

at pressure commensurable with the speed of the disposed to be pumped under pressure by rotation of the meshed gear and pinion, and movable mearis/ responsive to apredetermined pumped fluid pressure for progressively controlling the flowiof pumped fluid to progressively increase the fluid pressure, to progressively-brake rotation of the pinion.

9. In a differential power transmission, a pair of differential gears, pinions meshed with the gears, a drive shaft connected to one gear, a driven shafirconnected to the other gear, a brake on venting its rotation in a direction whereby power is transmittedfrom ,one shaft to the other at a predetermined gear reduction ratio effected by conduit path containing fluid disposed to be pumped therethrough by the gear and pinion rotationga valve for throttling theflow, means to progressively close the valve operable by pumped an element of the differential mechanism prerelative rotation of the gears and pinions, a fluid fluid, to progressively increase the fluid pressure at the gears and pinions to progressively brake,

rotation of the pinion to therebs progressively reduce the degree of gear reduction of the transmission.

. 10. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven rotary shaft, interconnected through a differential gearing mechanism comprising rotatable meshed gears, a brake on an element of the differentiabgearingmechanism to prevent its Y rotation in a direction to thereby cause the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft by the gears at a predetermined gear reduction ratio, fluid 5 tocontrol the ratio of transmission from the gear brake automatically efl'e'ctive with the rotor reduction ratio to substantially one to one ratio,

- said means being operable responsive to the pressure of the pumped fluid, and operable means to positively connect the driving and driven shafts when at said one to one ratio.

11. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven rotary shaft, interconnected through a differential gearing mechanism comprising rotatable meshed gears, a brake on an element of the differential mechanism to prevent its rotation in a direction to thereby cause the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft by the gears at a predetermined gear reduction ratio, fluid disposed to be pumped by rotation of the gears of the difierential mechanism to exert a braking action thereon, and means to control the rate of pumped fluid flow to control the braking action, to control the ratio of transmission from the gear reduction ratio to substantially one to one ratio, and operable means to mechanically lock the power transmitting differential gears when at said one to one ratio.

12. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven rotary shaft, interconnected through a differential gearing mechanism comprising rotatable meshed gears, a brake on an element of the differential mechanisrfi to prevent its rotation in a direction to thereby cause the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft by the gears at a predetermined gear reduction ratio, fluid disposed to be pumped by rotation of the gears of the differential mechanism to exert a braking action thereon, and means to control the rate of pumped fluid flow to control the braking action, to control the ratio of transmission fromthe gear reduction ratio to substantially one to one ratio, and means to positively connect the, driving and driven shafts when at said one to one ratio, said positively connecting means being responsive to pressure of the pumped fluid.

13. In a power transmission, a. driving and a driven rotary shaft, interconnected througha differential gearing mechanism comprising rotatable meshed gears, a brake on an element of the differential mechanism to prevent its rotation in a direction to cause the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft by the gears at a predetermined gear reduction ratio, fluid disposed to be pumped by rotation of thagears of the differential mechanism to exert a pump load braking action thereon, means to control the rate of pumped fluid to control the pressure attained thereby to control the pump load braking action to thereby control the ratio of transmission from the gear reduction ratio to substantially one-to-one ratio, means to positively connect the driving and driven shafts when at said one-to-one ratio operable responsive to the attainment of'a predetermined pressure. 14. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven shaft, interconnected through a differential gearing mechanism comprising a rotary housing, rotatably supporting pinions and rotatable gears meshed with the pinions, a one-way housing to prevent its rotation in a direction to cause the driving shaft by the gears to drive the driven shaft at a predetermined gear reduction ratio, fluid disposed to be pumpe by rotation 'of the gears of the differential echanism to exert a pump load braking action thereon, means to control the rate of pumped fluid flow to control the pump load braking action to control the ratio of transmission from the gear reduction ratio to substantially one-to-one ratio,- means to positively connect the driving and driven,shafts when at said one-to-one ratio, and a centrifugal device for operating the positively connecting means responsive to a predetermined speed attained by the rotary housing.

15. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven shaft, a rotary member associated with the driven shaft to drive it, and rotatably supporting a pinion, a gear connected to the driving shaft and meshed with the pinion, a quantity of fluid, a fluid conduit path, means for causing the fluid to be pumped into the conduit path by rotation of the pinion to thereby retard rotation of the pinion by the pumping lpad to cause the rotary member and the driven shaft to be rotated, means operable responsive to the pressure of the pumped fluid to control the flow ofpumped fluid to increase the, pump load braking action to increase the speed of the rotary member and driven shaft to substantially that of the driving shaft and means to positively mechanically connect the driving shaft and driven shaft when at substantially the said speed.

16. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven shaft, a rotary member associated with the driven shaft to drive it, and rotatably supporting a pinion, a gear connected to the driving shaft and meshed with the pinion, a quantity of fluid, a fluid conduit path, means for causing the fluid to be pumped into the conduit path by rotation of the pinion to thereby retard rotation of the pinion by the pumping load to cause the rotary member and the driven shaft to be rotated, means to control the flow of pumped fluid -to increase the pump load braking action, responsive to a predetermined pumped load, to increase the speed of the rotary'member and driven shaft to substantially that of the driving shaft and means to positively mechanically connect the driving shaft and driven shaft when at substantially the said speed.

17. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven shaft, interconnected through a differential gearing mechanism comprising rotatable meshed gears, a brake on an element of the diiierential mechanism to prevent its rotation in a direction to thereby cause the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft by the gears at a predetermined gear ratio, fluid braking means co-acting with the gears of the diflerential mechanism to control the ratio of transmission from the predetermined gear ratio to substantially one to one ratio, operative means to positively lock the power transmitting meshed gears when at substan tially one to one ratio.

18. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven shaft, a rotary member associated with the driven shaft to drive it, and rotatably supporting a pinion, a gear connected to the driving shaft and meshed with a pinion, a quantity of fluid, a fluid conduit path, means for causing the fluid to be pumped into the conduit path by rotation of the pinion to thereby retard rotation of the pinion by the pumping load to tary member and the driven shaft to be rotated, means to control the flow of the pumped fluid to increase the pump load braking action to increase the speed of the rotary memberand driven shaft oto substantiallythat of the driving shaft and means di'ivlng and driven shaft at substantially the same speed, operable responsive to the attainment of a, predetermined fluid pressure.

19. In a power transmission, a driving and a cause the re to positively mechanically connect the a pinion, a gear connected tothe driving shaft and meshed with the pinion, a quantity of fluid, a fluid conduit path, means for causing the fluid to be pumped into the conduit path by the rotation of the pinion to thereby retard rotation of the pinion by the pumping'load to cause the rotary member and the driven shaft to be rotated,

shaft, a driven shaft, a differential gearing mechanism comprising relatively rotatable pinions, a

' pinion-carrier for the pinions and a one way brake thereon for transmitting drive shaft'power to the driven shaft at a predetermined gear ratio of transmission effected by relative rotation of the pinions in the differential gearing mechanism, means providing an orifice, a quantity of fluid disposed to be pumped by the rotating pinions through the oriflce, at pressure commensurable with the pinion rotary velocity, means operating responsive to a predetermined fluid pressure to progressively retard the pumped fluid and to correspondingly brake the rotation of the pinions to progressively change the ratio of transmission.

21. In a differential power transmission, a drive shaft, a first differential gear driven thereby, a second differential gear anda driven shaft driven thereby, pinions meshed with both gears, a pinion-carrier for said pinion and a one-way brake on the pinion-carrier to prevent its rotation in a direction whereby the drive shaft may drive the driven shaft by the gears and pinions at a predetermined gear reduction ratio, fluid disposed to be pumped by meshed teeth of a gear and pinion at pressure comme surable with the speed of the driven shaft, to thereby exert a pump load braking action on the said pinion, means for throttling the flow ofpump fluid to increase the pump load to retard rotation of the pinions and to change the ratio of transmission, said throttling means comprising valve means operable upon the attainment of a predetermined pressure only.

, shaft, 9, first differential gear driven thereby, a

thereon controlling its rotation in a direction whereby'the drive shaft may drive the driven shaft by the gears and pinions at a predetermined gear ratio, a quantity of fluid,:a fluid conduit path, means for causing the fluid to be pumped into the conduit path by rotation of the pinions to thereby brake rotation of the pinion by the pumping load, the pumped fluid attaining a pressure commensurable with the speed of the driven shaft, means for throttling the flow of pumped fluid to increase'the pump load braking action to retard rotation of the pinion and to change the ratio of transmission, said means comprising valve means operable by the fluid pressure.

24. In a difierential power transmission, a drive shaft, a flrst differential gear driven thereby,,a second differential gear and a driven shaft. driven thereby, pinions meshed with both gears, a

pinion-carrier for said pinion and a one-waybrake thereon controlling its rotation in one direction whereby the drive shaft may drive the driven shaft by the gears and pinions at a predetermined gear ratio, a quantity of fluid, a fluid conduit path, means for causing the fluid to be pumped into the conduit path by rotation of the pinions to thereby brake rotation of the pinion' by the pumping load, the pumped fluid attaining a pressure commensurable with the speed of the driven shaft, means for throttling the flow of pumped fluid to increase the pump load braking action to retard rotation of the pinion and to .change the ratio of transmission, said means comprising valve means operable by the fluid pressure upon the attainment of a predetermined pressure only.

" 25. In a differential power transmission, a difsecond differential gear and a driven shaft driven e thereby, pinions meshed with both gears, a pinion-carrier for said pinions and a one-way brake thereon to prevent rotation in a direction whereby the drive shaft may drivejhe driven shaft by the gears and pinions at a predetermined gear 1 ratio, ,a quantity of fluid, a; fluid conduit path,

means for causing the fluid to be pumped into the conduit path, by meshed teeth engagement of a rotative gear and pinion to thereby brake rotation of the pinion by the pumping load, the

pumped fluid attaining a pressure commensurable with the speed of the driven shaft, means for controlling the flow of pumped fluid to increase the tooth {pressure load braking action to retard rotation of the pinion and'to change the ratio of transmission.

23. In a differential power transmission, a drive shaftf-a first diflerential gear driven thereby, a

second differential gear and a driven shaft driven thereby, pinions meshed with both gears, a pinionecarrier for said pinions and a one-way brake ferential mechanism comprising a pairof differential gears, pinions meshed with the gears, a drive shaft connected to one gear, an adriven shaft connected to the other gear, bralie on an element of the differential mechanism to prevent its rotation in a direction whereby power is transmitted from one shaft to the other at a predetermined gear reduction ratio of transmission effected by relative rotation of the gears and pinions, fluid disposed to be pumped by gear and pinion meshed engagement to effect a pump load braking action on the pinions, a valve for throttling the flow of pumped fluid, means operable by the pumped fluid to progressively move the valve toward closed condition, and rotary means responsive to the action of centrifugal force to subsequently move the valve to substantially closed condition, whereby progressive throttling-of the fluid flow progressively increases the pump load braking action and progressively reduces the gear reduction ratio to substantially a one-to-one ratio.

26. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven rotary shaft, interconnected through a control the pump load braking action, to variably control the rate of transmission, and a rotary M container in which fluid tends to accumulate by the action of centrifugal force thereon, and means to conduct the fluid from the container to said pumping means.

27. In a differential power transmission, a differential mechanism comprising a pair of differential gears, pinions meshed with the gears, a drive shaft connected to one gear, a driven shaft connected to the other gear, a brake on an element of the differential mechanism to prevent its rotation in a direction whereby power is transmitted from one shaft to the other at a predetermined gear reduction ratio of transmission, a fluid conduit path containing fluid disposed to be pumped therethrough by rotary gear and pinion engagement to exert a pump load braking action on the pinions, a valve for throttling the fluid flow, means to progressively close the valve to progressively increase the pump load to progressively retard relative rotation of the pinions to thereby progressively reduce the ratio of transmission, and an annular rotary container in which the fluid tends to accumulate by the action of centrifugal force thereon, and an inletfrom the container to said fluid conduit path.

28. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven rotary shaft interconnected through a differential gearing comprising rotatable meshed gears and pinions, a rotor housing enclosing the "gears and pinions, a one-way brake continuously controlling said rotor housing tocause the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft at a predetermined gear ratio, .a quantity of fluid, a fluid-conduit path, means for causing the fluid to be pumped through the conduit path by rotation of a pinion to thereby brake rotation of the pinions by the pumping load and means to variably control the rate of pumped fluid flow to variably control the pump load braking action to variably control the ratio of transmission, said fluid conduit path being an annular path in said rotor housing in which the fluid tends to accumulate by the action of centrifugal force thereon for dynamical balance of the fluid in the rotor housing.

29; In a power transmission, a driving and a driven rotary shaft, interconnected through a differential gearing mechanism comprising rotatable meshed gears, a brake on an element of the differential mechanism to prevent its rotation in one direction to thereby cause the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft by the gears at a predetermined gear ratio, fluid disposed to be pumped by meshed teeth of the differential gearing to thereby exert a pump load braking action on the pumping gears, a valve to variably throttle the rate of pumped fluid flow to variably change the pump load braking action to variably change the ratio of transmission, said valve being a rotary valve with an annular tapered body on a tapered valve seat and disposed to be subjected to pumped fluid pressure to be maintained firmly seated on the valve seat by said pressure.

30. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven shaft, a rotary member rotatably supporting a pinion, 'a gear fixed to the driving shaft and meshed with a pinion, a second gear meshed i with the pinion, a one-way brake preventing rotation of the second .gear in one direction to cause the drive shaft to drive the driven shaft by the gears at a predetermined gear ratio, a quantity of fluid, a fluid conduit path, means for causing the fluid to be pumped into the conduit path by rotation of the pinion to thereby retard rotation of the pinion by the pumping load to cause therotary member and the driven shaft to be rotated, means to control the flow of pumped fluid to increase the pump load braking action to increase the speed of the rotary member and driven shaft to substantially that of the driving shaft.

31. In a power transmission,. a driving and a driven rotary shaft, interconnected through a differential gearing mechanism comprising rotatable meshed gears, to cause the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft at a predetermined gear ratio, fluid disposed to be pumped by meshed teeth of the gears of the differential gearing to thereby exert a pump load braking action on the pumping gears, means to variably control the to variably change the pump load braking action to variably change the ratio of transmission and a peripheral surface on the differential gearing mechanism, a plurality of rolling members on this surface, stationary cam surfaces co-acting with the rolling members to prevent rotation of the diiferential gearing mechanism in one direction only.

32. In a power transmission, a driving and a driven; rotary shaft, interconnected through a differential gearing mechanism comprising rotatable meshed gears, to cause the driving shaft to drive the driven shaft at a predetermined gear ratio, fiuid disposed to be pumped by the meshed teeth of the gears of the differential gearing to thereby exert a pump load braking action on the pumping gears, means to variably. control the rate of pumped fluid flow to variably change the pump load braking action to variably change the ratio of transmission and a peripheral surface on the diiferential gearing mechanism, a plurality of rolling members on this surface, stationary cam surfaces co-acting with the rolling members, a retaining means for the rolling members in respect to the cam surfaces to cause simultaneous contact thereon to equally distribute the load thereon to prevent rotation of the differential gearing mechanism in one direction only.

may ORNER. 

